CIMB Niaga Marks 70 Years: From National Bank to Digital Leader
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk marks its 70th anniversary by reaffirming its position as Indonesia’s second-largest private bank and a pioneer in digital innovation. Since its founding in 1955, CIMB Niaga has led several firsts in the industry, including introducing Indonesia’s first automated teller machine and later developing mobile banking services that evolved into today’s OCTO Mobile and OCTO Clicks.
President Director CIMB Niaga Lani Darmawan said the bank’s seven-decade journey reflects its enduring commitment to serve the nation with heart. “We are committed to serving Indonesians wholeheartedly. Behind every service, there is a spirit to help customers reach their aspirations,” she said during a media gathering in Jakarta on Monday, Oct 6, 2025.
As it enters its eighth decade, CIMB Niaga has unveiled a long-term roadmap called F30 (Forward 2030), extending its previous F23+ strategy (2019–2024). The new plan focuses on advancing customer prosperity, strengthening digital banking ecosystems, developing human capital and digital talent, and preparing its sharia business unit for a spin-off in 2026 as mandated by regulators.
“We see digital transformation and human capital as our two most important investments since 2019,” Lani explained.
CIMB Niaga currently serves over 9.12 million customers, growing 15–17 percent annually, driven by digital channels and innovative products. The bank expects positive performance in the third quarter of 2025 despite global economic headwinds. However, credit growth remains modest at around 4.5–4.7 percent, slightly below the industry average of about 7 percent.
Despite sluggish credit demand, the bank’s third-party funds grew roughly 11 percent, signaling strong liquidity. Profitability remained solid as non-interest income now contributes around 30–31 percent of total revenue. Management expects interbank lending competition to become more rational following the government’s Rp 200 trillion liquidity injection into the banking system.
During a Q&A session with the media, Investortrust’s Primus Dorimulu asked about liquidity and credit demand amid slow regional stimulus absorption. CIMB Niaga’s management confirmed that liquidity remained very strong, though credit demand from small and medium enterprises was still weak.
The bank also aims to move into the KBMI IV category, equivalent to the top tier of Indonesian banks by core capital. CIMB Niaga’s core capital now stands at around Rp 50 trillion, close to the Rp 70 trillion threshold. The bank targets achieving this within the next few years to compete with the largest peers such as Bank Central Asia.
Beyond financial performance, CIMB Niaga continues to strengthen its social impact programs, focusing on women’s empowerment and small business development. “Women’s empowerment is not only about equality; it is an engine of national economic growth,” said Director of Compliance, Corporate Affairs & Legal CIMB Niaga Fransiska Oei. The bank’s CSR initiatives include training, digital literacy, and access to financing for micro-entrepreneurs, most of whom are women.
Lani Darmawan added that national banking liquidity remains strong even though credit demand has not fully recovered. The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) stood at about 80 percent, a healthy level that allows room for expansion while maintaining prudence.
“Our LDR is around 80 percent. That is a healthy position, so the bank has space to expand and is ready to manage risks if market conditions shift,” she said.
She noted that liquidity was tighter earlier in 2025 when the industry’s LDR approached 95–98 percent, especially among the largest KBMI IV banks. After the government’s liquidity injection, the situation eased. Still, credit distribution has been slower than expected due to weak household purchasing power.
“Credit demand has not risen, not because banks are unwilling to lend, but because demand is simply not there,” she said.
Corporate loans grew about 11 percent thanks to infrastructure and energy projects, while SME loans increased 7–8 percent. Automotive financing surged 25 percent, becoming the main driver of retail loan growth, though property loans remained stagnant amid sluggish new home demand.
Addressing concerns about a potential credit crunch, Lani stressed that the current situation is not a crisis. “We do not see a credit crunch. Liquidity is sufficient, but loan demand has yet to rebound. What we are facing is a slowdown, not a freeze,” she said.
The bank also cautioned that aggressive credit take-over competition between banks could merely shift funds rather than create new economic activity. “If lending only moves from one bank to another, the real economy does not grow. What we need are new projects and consumption,” she added.
CIMB Niaga is now preparing to strengthen its capital base through organic growth and potential mergers or acquisitions. “Our KBMI IV roadmap is clear. Our shareholders have strong appetite for M&A, and we are evaluating opportunities that fit our long-term strategy,” Lani said.
With national liquidity stabilizing toward the end of 2025, the bank sees measured expansion opportunities ahead. The biggest challenge, however, lies in reviving credit demand amid slow government spending and subdued consumer power. “We hope government spending becomes more expansionary so that the economy moves faster and banks can fully perform their intermediation role again,” she concluded.